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Posing for photos; Part II, Positioning your body
By Meg | June 20, 2007
Other posts in the Posing for Photos series:
In the first part of this series I suggested smiling for the camera. Yes, I know that seems like a given, but then why all the frowns in family photos? If you don’t feel it, fake it.
The rest of my suggestions revolve around one simple fact. Photos are two-dimensional. Understanding this and how to work with it is the key to looking better in photos. That’s why people tend to look heavier in photos. The camera flattens them out, so to speak. A straight on shot from the front will show people at their widest and hide the curves and angles that balance everything out. Unfortunately, this is the pose that just about everyone does when they see a camera (most of the other people duck behind a corner or throw their arms up over their face).
If you’re taking photos of someone, one thing to try is to take some candid, un-posed shots. In this case, a great zoom is probably a good idea. Some of the best shots I have taken of people were when they didn’t realize they were having their picture taken. They were usually turned to the side talking to someone or looking at something. Of course, you have to be careful not to tick anyone off using this method. I haven’t had that problem, though, since I tend to only keep good shots and photograph friends and family.
If you are posing for a photo, don’t face the camera straight on. Turn your body slightly so that you are at an angle. Make sure you are standing up straight and not leaning over. Good posture is definitely important here. Do not lean over to get into a shot if you can help it. If you have to lean, don’t bend your neck. Trust me on this, it will usually look silly. Also, take your foot that is closest to the camera, and angle it so that your heel fits close to the arch of your other foot with the toes of your two feet making about a 45 degree angle or so. It’s a nice feminine pose. The added bonus is that your legs should be slightly crossed in this position, which disguises larger thighs.
Of course, sometimes photos are taken while people are sitting. Standing photos are almost always better because sitting makes your stomach pooch out and your thighs spread out more from the pressure. If you must sit, sit up straight on the edge of your seat.
Whether sitting or standing, don’t forget to remember where you put your hands and arms. Down to your sides or behind a friend is fine. Just be careful that you aren’t crossing arms unless you want to look stand-offish or sticking your hands in your pockets unless you want your pants to have bulges. And while this seems to be a problem more for guys, make sure that you hands aren’t near your crotch.
Do you have a favorite pose? Have you seen any posing disasters?
Tags: Body, Photos
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